ZEST with ZocuKit

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids and is a leading precursor to dry eye disease (DED).  Since the eyelids and eyelid margins are never washed, an overabundance of bacteria and biofilm forms on the eyelids and eyelashes leading to complications.

Symptoms include crusting, swollen eyelids, redness, and  recurrent styes. 

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a chronic, progressive abnormality of the oil glands of the eyes and is the leading cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD has been linked with loss of productivity at home/work, contact lens intolerance and can negatively impact the outcome of cataract and refractive surgery. If left untreated, it can lead to oil gland constipation and eventual irreversible gland drop out/loss.

Symptoms include chronic dryness, intermittent blurry vision, irritation, redness, foreign body sensation, redness, grittiness, and so many more!

Demodex mites live in the hair follicles of the eyelashes and look like cylindrical sleeves on the base of the eyelashes. They easily proliferate when excess bacteria on the eyelids provide an accessible food source for these mites to consume. These mites

are common and become more prevalent as we age as more than 75% of patients over the age of 45 have mites and often go undiagnosed. 

Symptoms include itchiness (often misdiagnosed as "allergies"), irritation, redness, and eyelash loss and misdirection.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition due to hypersensitivity to normal environmental stimuli. Rosacea affects the skin and the sebaceous glands (oil glands) and can therefore cause ocular rosacea. Patients with ocular rosacea present with meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis.

Symptoms include burning/stinging eyes, swollen eyelids, redness, development of red vessels around eyes and skin (cheeks and/or nose), and recurrent styes.

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects the lacrimal gland, the cornea, and the mucous-producing cells in the eyes. Sjogren's patients can also present with meibomian gland dysfunction. 

Symptoms include dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, burning, eye pain, red eyes, fluctuating and blurry vision.

Lagophthamos occurs when a patient has incomplete or abnormal eyelid closure. This can lead to excessive exposure of the front surface of the eye which can lead to ulceration and infection. Lagophthalmos can be associated with sleep apnea, high myopia, thyroid disease, and eyelid surgery.

Symptoms include dry eyes, blurry vision, red eyes, foreign body sensation, increased tearing, and usually worse upon waking up.